Full Stock Market

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Ceylinco Insurance and AIA Insurance with the turnover crossing Rs 797 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, accounting for 71.8% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 87.7% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.33%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.90 (0.57%) closing at Rs 156.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 4,347,356 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.40 (0.17%) to close at Rs 237.50. The share price of Commercial Bank declined by Rs 0.50 (0.45%) to close at Rs 111.80.

East West Properties and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties moved up by Rs 0.40 (2.78%) to close at Rs 14.80. The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.50%) to close at Rs 20.30.

Furthermore, Teejay Lanka announced its interim dividend of Rs 0.85 per share.